Just like a romantic relationship, friendships can fall into routines and even ruts that you need to break out of once in a while. If you and the girls have fallen into a pattern of happy hours, which are great but not that original, you may need to mix up your girls nights with the group. Here are a few ideas to get your friendship engines revved up again (and here's the perfect favor, if you're going all out):

Returning TV smackdown: Perfectly timed since most shows are about to start back up again. Record the first episodes of three different shows (pick The Mindy Project!), and decide which one is shaping up to be your fall favorite. Follow up: schedule a weekly viewing party of the winning choice!

Crafternoon: Pick a crafting project, like DIY-ing lace spray painted light bulbs, buy some supplies, and hunker down for a day that would probably bore your boyfriend to tears. My suggestion for a fall-themed craft? Glitter pumpkins.

Build-your-own_______ bar:__ Baked potatoes with bowls of cheese, chili, sour cream, and broccoli. Huge bowls full of plain popcorn with assorted spices and candies to toss in. Ice cream with sauces and sprinkles. Bottles of sparkling wine with fruits and juices to make creative brunch cocktails. Whatever treat you pick, everybody loves this kind of indulgence together. Bonus if you have a tasting competition to see who creates the most delicious concoction.

Seasonal outdoor activities: You could try to squeeze in a last-days-of-summer beach volleyball tournament. Or once it's officially fall, go apple picking or just take a hike to see the changing leaves.

Outlet shopping: This one combines several of my favorite elements: a mini-road trip to your nearest outlet mall, bargain shopping, and if you want (you do), a fashion show of all your finds in someone else's living room after.

Anyone planning any fun girls nights coming up? My friends and I are planning to do some outlet shopping when I visit them in New York in a few weeks (that's what made me think of it!) What's your favorite thing to do with the girls?